Hasil untuk "Homeopathy"

Lennart Bittel, Lorenzo Leone

Randomness is a fundamental resource in quantum information, with crucial applications in cryptography, algorithms, and error correction. A central challenge is to construct unitary $k$-designs that closely approximate Haar-random unitaries while minimizing the costly use of non-Clifford operations. In this work, we present a protocol, named Quantum Homeopathy, able to generate unitary $k$-designs on $n$ qubits, secure against any adversarial quantum measurement, with a system-size-independent number of non-Clifford gates. Inspired by the principle of homeopathy, our method applies a $k$-design only to a subsystem of size $Θ(k)$, independent of $n$. This "seed" design is then "diluted" across the entire $n$-qubit system by sandwiching it between two random Clifford operators. The resulting ensemble forms an $\varepsilon$-approximate unitary $k$-design on $n$ qubits. We prove that this construction achieves full quantum security against adaptive adversaries using only $\tilde{O}(k^2 \log\varepsilon^{-1})$ non-Clifford gates. If one requires security only against polynomial-time adaptive adversaries, the non-Clifford cost decreases to $\tilde{O}(k + \log^{1+c} \varepsilon^{-1})$. This is optimal, since we show that at least $Ω(k)$ non-Clifford gates are required in this setting. Compared to existing approaches, our method significantly reduces non-Clifford overhead while strengthening security guarantees to adaptive security as well as removing artificial assumptions between $n$ and $k$. These results make high-order unitary designs practically attainable in near-term fault-tolerant quantum architectures.

Erik W. Baars, Petra Weiermayer, Henrik P. Szőke et al.

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Given the magnitude and urgency of the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem and the insufficiency of strategies to reduce antimicrobial use, there is a need for novel strategies. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) provides strategies and solutions that contribute to reducing (inappropriate) antimicrobial use, preventing or treating infections in both human and veterinary medicine, and may contribute to promoting the health/resilience of humans and animals and reducing AMR. The aims of this study were to present the core results of a global TCIH research agenda for AMR and its added value to two existing global AMR research agendas published in 2023. <b>Methods</b>: A survey, interviews, and consensus meetings among network members, as an adapted version of the nominal group technique, were executed to develop the global TCIH research agenda. A comparison of the global TCIH research agenda with the two existing global AMR research agendas was performed. The TCIH additions to these two existing global AMR research agendas were determined. <b>Results</b>: The global TCIH research agenda adds to 19 of 40 research priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO) AMR research agenda 2023 and three of the five pillars of the WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) research agenda 2023. In addition, the TCIH research agenda adds two new research themes with four new research priorities and three new research priorities to already existing themes of the two global AMR research agendas. <b>Conclusions</b>: The global TCIH research agenda fits with and adds to two global AMR research agendas and can be used as an additional strategy to reduce AMR and (inappropriate) use of antibiotics.

M. Wilhelm, Christiane Hermann, Winfried Rief et al.

The usual homeopathic remedy, “globules,” does not contain any pharmacologically active ingredient. However, many patients and practitioners report beneficial effects of homeopathic treatment on various health outcomes. Experimental and clinical research of the last two decades analyzing the underlying mechanisms of the placebo effect could explain this phenomenon, with patients’ treatment expectations as the predominant mechanism. Treatment expectations can be optimized through various factors, such as prior information, communication, and treatment context. This narrative review analyses how homeopathy successfully utilizes these factors. Subsequently, it is discussed what evidence-based medicine could learn from homeopathic practice to optimize treatment expectations (e.g., using an empathic, patient-centered communication style, deliberately selecting objects in practice rooms, or using clear treatment rituals and salient contextual stimuli) and thereby treatment effectiveness. Homeopathic remedy does not work beyond the placebo effect but is recommended or prescribed as an active treatment by those who believe in it. Thus, practitioners need to understand the manner in which homeopathy (as an example of inert treatment) works and are advised to reintegrate its underlying effective placebo mechanisms into evidence-based medicine. This promises to increase treatment efficacy, tolerability, satisfaction, and compliance with evidence-based treatments, and addresses the desires patients are trying to satisfy in homeopathy in an ethical, fully informed way that is grounded in evidence-based medicine.

Gudeta Duga Geresu MSc, Tilahun Tesfaye Abebe MSc, Diriba Alemayehu Gadisa MSc et al.

Phytolacca dodecandra (L’ Herit), or ‘Endod’, is one of the widely known medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Berries of the endod have been used as a detergent for centuries. The present study was aimed to test the hepatoprotective effects of the plant against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in rats. Mice of either sex were used for oral acute toxicity tests and APAP-induced lethality tests. Hepatoprotective experiments were done on male rats using 2 g/kg of APAP to induce liver damage. Liver enzymes, total bilirubin (TB), and lipid profile were determined. Liver tissues were also examined histopathologically to see a morphologic change in the control and experiment groups. The protective effect of the plant extract was also tested through sodium pentobarbital (SPB)-induced sleeping time. A significant increase in serum levels of liver enzymes, TB, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs) was seen from oral administration of 2 g/kg APAP. Total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were decreased. Serum levels of all parameters were reversed to normal after administration of silymarin 100 mg/kg and, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses of the extract. A significant dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect of Phytolacca dodecandra Methanol Root Extract (PDME) was seen in terms of LDL. Histopathological investigations and SPB-induced sleeping time confirmed the findings of biochemical analysis. The findings of the present study indicate that PDME protected the liver from APAP injury.

Samantha Valeni Nazareth, Preetham Philip Tauro

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the clinical features, treatment received, and outcomes of severely ill children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Methods: The study was a retrospective observation carried out at a pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital. The baseline history, investigations, treatment received, and outcomes of the disease in 14 critically ill children, who were diagnosed with MIS-C, were surveyed from October 2020 to January 2022. Results: There were 14 children who were diagnosed with MIS-C. All children received intensive care treatment and 7 children received a combination of steroid therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin. Out of 14 children, 12 of them survived and 2 expired. Conclusion: For children who are diagnosed with MIS-C, the outcome was good if detected early and treated on time.

Matthew K. Sigurdson, Kristin L. Sainani, J. Ioannidis

OBJECTIVES A "null field" is a scientific field where there is nothing to discover and where observed associations are thus expected to simply reflect the magnitude of bias. We aimed to characterize a null field using a known example, homeopathy (a pseudoscientific medical approach based on using highly diluted substances), as a prototype. STUDY DESIGN We identified 50 randomized placebo-controlled trials of homeopathy interventions from highly-cited meta-analyses. The primary outcome variable was the observed effect size in the studies. Variables related to study quality or impact were also extracted. RESULTS The mean effect size for homeopathy was 0.36 standard deviations (Hedges' g; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.51) better than placebo, which corresponds to an odds ratio of 1.94 (95% CI: 1.69, 2.23) in favor of homeopathy. 80% of studies had positive effect sizes (favoring homeopathy). Effect size was significantly correlated with citation counts from journals in the Directory of Open Access Journals and CiteWatch. We identified common statistical errors in 25 studies. CONCLUSION A null field like homeopathy can exhibit large effect sizes, high rates of favorable results, and high citation impact in the published scientific literature. Null fields may represent a useful negative control for the scientific process.

A. Dutta

The recognition of patient-centered care as a fundamental tenet in health care necessitates a deep understanding of patients ’ values, preferences and experiences. 1 Within the realm of homeopathy, an approach that places great emphasis on individualized treatment, the incorporation of the patient perspective becomes even more paramount. The existing body of evidence in homeopathy critically lacks the patient ’ s involvement from the preliminary stage of research. The present discussion endeavors to explore the profound signi fi cance of integrating patient perspectives in homeopathic research, thereby highlighting the immense potential it holds for the development and evaluation of homeopathic interventions

H. Ponnam

Adelia Lobo, Sweta Shanbhag, Saritha Paul

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice is the imbalance between bilirubin production and conjugation, resulting in increased serum bilirubin levels. It is visible in the skin and eyes, only when the total serum bilirubin level exceeds 5–7 mg/dl. Sixty percent of the term and almost 80% of the preterm babies develop neonatal jaundice. Objectives: To identify the etiology of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates and to determine short-term outcomes in terms of rebound hyperbilirubinemia during hospital stay and other modalities of intervention in these babies. Methods: We did a cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective chart-based study. The clinical profile of term neonates treated for hyperbilirubinemia was procured from the inpatient medical records and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge summaries over 5 years from January 2017 to December 2021. Short-term outcomes, such as duration of hospital stay, rebound hyperbilirubinemia, and other modalities of treatment used, were noted. Results: A total of 252 term babies who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Two hundred and thirty-four babies were delivered vaginally, 10 by cesarean section, and 8 extracted by instrumental delivery. Ninety-eight babies had ABO incompatibility and 19 Rh incompatibility. Twelve babies had elevated cord thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Seventy-one babies had signs of bilirubin encephalopathy. Thirty-nine babies had sepsis. Fifty-three of them had significant weight loss suggestive of improper feeding. Thirty-three babies had cephalhematoma. Nine babies were born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. All 252 babies underwent phototherapy. Thirty-two babies required a prolonged hospital stay of more than 1 week and seven had rebound hyperbilirubinemia. Nine babies required exchange transfusion. Two received intravenous immunoglobulin. Conclusions: The most common risk factor associated was ABO incompatibility, followed by inadequate breastfeeding. As only nine neonates required exchange transfusion, early and prompt initiation of phototherapy remains the best modality of treatment. Emphasis on proper feeding technique can go a long way in preventing admission to NICU, as it is the second-most common preventable cause of hyperbilirubinemia.

G. Gartlehner, R. Emprechtinger, M. Hackl et al.

Objectives To assess the magnitude of reporting bias in trials assessing homeopathic treatments and its impact on evidence syntheses. Design A cross-sectional study and meta-analysis. Two persons independently searched Clinicaltrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to April 2019 to identify registered homeopathy trials. To determine whether registered trials were published and to detect published but unregistered trials, two persons independently searched PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Embase and Google Scholar up to April 2021. For meta-analyses, we used random effects models to determine the impact of unregistered studies on meta-analytic results. Main outcomes and measures We report the proportion of registered but unpublished trials and the proportion of published but unregistered trials. We also assessed whether primary outcomes were consistent between registration and publication. For meta-analyses, we used standardised mean differences (SMDs). Results Since 2002, almost 38% of registered homeopathy trials have remained unpublished, and 50% of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not been registered. Retrospective registration was more common than prospective registration. Furthermore, 25% of primary outcomes were altered or changed compared with the registry. Although we could detect a statistically significant trend toward an increase of registrations of homeopathy trials (p=0.001), almost 30% of RCTs published during the past 5 years had not been registered. A meta-analysis stratified by registration status of RCTs revealed substantially larger treatment effects of unregistered RCTs (SMD: −0.53, 95% CI −0.87 to −0.20) than registered RCTs (SMD: −0.14, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.07). Conclusions Registration of published trials was infrequent, many registered trials were not published and primary outcomes were often altered or changed. This likely affects the validity of the body of evidence of homeopathic literature and may overestimate the true treatment effect of homeopathic remedies.

U. Adler, M. Adler, A. Padula et al.

Background Different homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, but none has been tested in a clinical trial. Objectives To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic medicine, Natrum muriaticum LM2, for mild cases of COVID-19. Design, setting, participants, and interventions A randomized, double-blind, two‐armed, parallel, single-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in São-Carlos, Brazil. Participants aged > 18 years, with influenza-like symptoms and positive result from a real-time polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were recruited and randomized (1:1) into two groups that received different treatments during a period of at-home-isolation. One group received the homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum, prepared with the second degree of the fifty-millesimal dynamization (LM2; Natrum muriaticum LM2), while the other group received a placebo. Outcome measures The primary endpoint was time until recovery from COVID-19 influenza-like symptoms. Secondary measures included a survival analysis of the number and severity of COVID-19 symptoms (influenza-like symptoms plus anosmia and ageusia) from a symptom grading scale that was informed by the participant, hospital admissions, and adverse events. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate time-to-event (survival) measures. Results Data from 86 participants were analyzed (homeopathy, n = 42; placebo, n = 44). There was no difference in time to recovery between two groups among participants who were reporting influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring (homeopathy, n = 41; placebo, n = 41; P = 0.56), nor in a sub-group that had at least 5 moderate to severe influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring (homeopathy, n = 15; placebo, n = 17; P = 0.06). Secondary outcomes indicated that a 50% reduction in symptom score was achieved significantly earlier in the homeopathy group (homeopathy, n = 24; placebo, n = 25; P = 0.04), among the participants with a basal symptom score ≥ 5. Moreover, values of restricted mean survival time indicated that patients receiving homeopathy might have improved 0.9 days faster during the first five days of follow-up (P = 0.022). Hospitalization rates were 2.4% in the homeopathy group and 6.8% in the placebo group (P = 0.62). Participants reported 3 adverse events in the homeopathy group and 6 in the placebo group. Conclusion Results showed that Natrum muriaticum LM2 was safe to use for COVID-19, but there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoints of Natrum muriaticum LM2 and placebo for mild COVID-19 cases. Although some secondary measures do not support the null hypothesis, the wide confidence intervals suggest that further studies with larger sample sizes and more symptomatic participants are needed to test the effectiveness of homeopathic Natrum muriaticum LM2 for COVID-19. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID: JPRN-UMIN000040602.

V. Ramanan, Silpa Sathyanandhan

BACKGROUND  Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) syndrome is one of the causes of male infertility, characterized by a decreased number of sperms (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), and abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia). In necrospermia, spermatozoa in the ejaculated semen are dead, and in hypospermia, semen volume is less than 2 mL. The present case may be unique because of the association of all these features together in a single patient. METHOD  This idiopathic case was treated, from November 2016 to April 2017 in the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, with the homeopathic medicine Natrium muriaticum. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) score was used to assess the likelihood of causal attribution of the clinical outcome to the homeopathic medicine. RESULT  By the third month of starting homeopathic treatment, there was a marked improvement in sperm count from 14.4 to 77.4 million, semen volume from 0.8 to 2.2 mL, and normal forms from 14 to 75%. His wife became pregnant by the 5th month and delivered a healthy baby girl at full term. A MONARCH score of +9/13 indicates a positive causal relationship between the medicine prescribed and the treatment outcome. CONCLUSION  The present case report suggests a positive effect of individualized homeopathic medicine in treating a rare presentation of male infertility due to OAT syndrome.

G. Renda, İ. Gökkaya, Gamze Kandemir et al.

Abstract Background  Homeopathy belongs to “Traditional and Complementary Medicine” (TCM) and is defined in the TCM regulation in Turkey as a holistic practice method that aims to improve health status with personalized medicines. The international and national literature includes a limited number of studies that examine individuals' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward homeopathy. Although in Turkey the Regulation on Pharmacists and Pharmacies states that the sale of homeopathic medicines is allowed only in pharmacies, no study was found that evaluated awareness about homeopathy among pharmacy students. Objective  The present study aims to assess pharmacy students' knowledge and attitudes toward homeopathy and to identify the factors that influence them. Methods  This descriptive study was conducted between December 1, 2021 and February 1, 2022 among the students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), through a face-to-face survey. In total, 418 questionnaires suitable for data quality were included in the study. The SPSS 23.0 statistical program was used to analyze the data and the statistical significance level was taken as p  < 0.05. Results  It was determined that 73% of the participants had heard about TCM practices and 55% had heard of homeopathy. Students in the fifth grade ( p  = 0.0001) and those working in an income-generating job ( p  = 0.026) were found to be those most aware of homeopathy. The students of the Faculty of Pharmacy correctly knew the basic working principles of homeopathy ( p  = 0.002). The source from which students obtained the most information about homeopathy was undergraduate courses. 80.4% of the participants thought that homeopathy should be applied by pharmacists. 47.0% of the students wanted to learn more about homeopathy or to carry out studies in the field of homeopathy in their careers. Conclusion  The results of this research revealed a high awareness amongst KTU pharmacy students about the practice of homeopathy.

M. Teut, R. van Haselen, Lex Rutten et al.

Abstract Case reports have been of central importance to the development of homeopathy over the past 200 years. With a special focus on homeopathy, we give an overview on guidelines and tools that may help to improve the quality of case reports. Reporting guidelines such as CARE (Case Report), HOM-CASE (Homeopathic Clinical Case Reports), and the WissHom Documentation Standard help to improve the quality of reporting and strengthen the scientific value of a case report. Additional scientific tools such as prospective outcome assessment, prognostic factor research, cognition-based medicine, and the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) score may be helpful in improving case documentation and evaluation.

Anjali B. M. Bakshi, Tushita Thakur

AYUSH Wellness Centre (AWC), President Estate was started as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ayush and the President’s Secretariat with treatment facilities in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It was inaugurated on July 25, 2015, in the President’s Estate and is catering to the medical needs of the President, Officials of the President’s Secretariat, and residents of the President’s Estate. It is a step to take forward the vision of Government of India (GOI) to encourage the Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy. Over the 7 years of its functioning, AWC has endeavored to bring to fruition the recommendations mentioned in National AYUSH Mission and National Health Policy. AWC has become a precursor to many such clinics in different government departments and AIIMS across the country. This article presents the impact, experiences, and future recommendations from the initiative of AWC.

D. Ullman

Serially diluted succussed solutions of a suitable drug/toxic substance can exhibit physicochemical and biological properties even far beyond Avogadro’s limit defying conventional wisdom. They can show hormesis, and homeopathy uses them as medicines. Many studies confirm that they can have an impact on gene expression different than controls. Water in the exclusion zone phase can have memory but for a short period. However, the nanoparticle as the physical substrate can hold information. Nanoparticle and exclusion zone duo as nanoparticle-exclusion zone shell can provide a prolonged memory. The Nanoparticle-Exclusion Zone Shell Model may be an important step toward explaining the nature and bioactivity of serially diluted succussed solutions used as homeopathic medicines. This model may also provide insight into the workings of hormesis. Hormesis is the primary phenomenon through which homeopathic phenomenon may have evolved exhibiting the principle of similars. Hahnemann exploited it to establish homeopathy. The nanoparticle-exclusion zone shells present in the remedy, selected on the principle of similars, can be patient-specific nanoparticles in a symptom syndrome-specific manner. They can carry the drug-specific information for safer clinical applications in an amplified form for high yielding. It suggests homeopathy is a type of nanopharmacology.

J. Bagot, A. Legrand, I. Theunissen

Abstract Context The use of homeopathy in oncological supportive care seems to be progressing. The first French prevalence study, performed in 2005 in Strasbourg, showed that only 17% of the subjects were using it. What is the situation 12 years later? Materials and Methods This is a descriptive study, using a questionnaire identical to that used in 2005, on 633 patients undergoing treatment in three anti-cancer centers in Strasbourg. The results of the “homeopathy” sub-group were extracted and studied. Results Of the 535 patients included, 164 used homeopathy: that is 30.7%. The main purpose of its use was to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments (75%). Among the users, 82.6% were “somewhat” or “very” satisfied, against “quite” satisfied for 15.5%, and “not at all” satisfied for 1.9%. The homeopathic treatment was prescribed by a doctor in 75.6% of the cases; the general practitioner was kept informed in 87% of the cases and the oncologist in 82%. Fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety, sadness and diarrhea were improved in 80% of the cases. However, alopecia, weight disorders and loss of libido were the least improved symptoms. The use of homeopathy was significantly associated with the female sex. Conclusion With a prevalence of 30.7%, homeopathy is the most used complementary medicine in integrative oncology in Strasbourg. Over 12 years, we have witnessed an increase of 83% in its use in the same city. Almost all respondents declare themselves satisfied and tell their doctors more readily than in 2005.

Roja Varanasi, D. Nayak, A. Khurana

Abstract As at mid-October 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been continuing on the rise across the globe, including in India. Historically, homeopathy has been used in a number of epidemics/pandemics. The development of homeopathic medicines is approached uniquely through “drug provings” and clinical verification; these two intrinsic processes establish the background for the application of homeopathic medicines, regardless of nosological diagnosis. This article reflects research initiatives on COVID-19 in India and identifies studies listed in the Clinical Trial Registry–India database. We identified 29 studies being undertaken in different settings, including those in conventional medicine: 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 observational studies. Fifteen studies are aimed at prophylaxis and 14 are aimed at treatment. Amongst the treatment studies, 11 are focused on efficacy or comparative effectiveness. The findings might provide evidence for clinically repurposing some of homeopathy's medicines, an approach that is intrinsic to the therapy, enabling their use in COVID-19 as an adjuvant or stand-alone to help reduce costs and improve patient recovery.

Cemre Cukaci, M. Freissmuth, Christopher Mann et al.

The use of homeopathy is remarkably popular. Popularity, however, is not an arbiter in a scientific discourse. In fact, the assumptions underlying homeopathy violate fundamental laws of nature. Homeopathy does not have any explanatory power and fails other criteria established for a scientific approach. Two large-scale efforts have recently documented that in spite of a plethora of clinical trials there is no evidence that homeopathic remedies have any therapeutic effect, which goes beyond that of a placebo. Relaxed regulations and lack of scientific literacy and of health education allow for continuous thriving of homeopathy. While the tide may be changing on the regulatory side, health education of the general public is presumably more important to support informed decision making by patients. Otherwise, the responsible patient, who is posited to decide on the medical choices, remains a convenient legal fiction.

Jayasubhashini Mallangi, Jyotika Chaudhuri, Roja Varanasi et al.

Abstract Background  Multimorbidity, a prevailing trend in the primary care population of all ages, is a challenge for health care systems that are largely configured for single disease management. Homeopathy has shown competence in the management of chronic diseases, whether they occur as a single ailment or as a multimorbidity. Case History  A 35-year-old female patient presenting with hemorrhoids, low back pain, hypothyroidism, fibroadenosis breasts (bilateral), and fibroid uterus was given homeopathic treatment for 33 months at Nandigama AYUSH Lifestyle Disorders Clinic, Andhra Pradesh. She was prescribed the homeopathic medicines Lachesis mutus and Thyroidinum at different time intervals based on the totality of symptoms. Results  Following treatment, a reduction in the size of the uterine fibroid and complete regression of breast lumps in ultrasonography were noted. The modified Naranjo criteria total score was 10 out of 13. Further, significant improvement in symptoms and laboratory parameters, such as triiodothyronine (T3), tetra-iodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), indicated that a well-chosen homeopathic medicine may be beneficial in managing multimorbidity. Conclusion  This case study reveals a positive role of homeopathic treatment in multimorbidity. More case studies and well-designed controlled research should be used to further investigate homeopathic intervention in multimorbidity.